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Top prospect Osuna returns from disabled list

Top prospect Osuna returns from disabled list

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Top Prospects: Osuna, TOR 0:36

2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Roberto Osuna's fastball can touch the mid-90s and his changeup is outstanding

By Gregor Chisholm and Teddy Cahill
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MLB.com |

Right-hander Roberto Osuna, the Blue Jays' No. 2 prospect, returned to the mound Sunday with Class A Lansing. He threw five shutout innings in his first start after more than a month on the disabled list.

Osuna was removed from his start April 30 with discomfort in his elbow, which was later diagnosed as a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He visited Dr. James Andrews, but rest and rehab, not surgery, was recommended.

Osuna made it through treatment without any setbacks and was activated from the disabled list on Sunday. He needed only 57 pitches to shut out West Michigan for five innings. Osuna struck out five batters and allowed two hits in the Lugnuts' 2-0 victory.

Blue Jays assistant general manager Tony LaCava said the team took a conservative approach with Osuna's rehab and was pleased with the results of his return.

"We shut him down and had him complete a progression in our extended program before sending him back to Lansing," Lacava said. "He pitched very well last night and, more importantly, was pain free."

Just 18 years old, Osuna has impressed with his mid-90s fastball and sharp command. Only fellow right-hander Aaron Sanchez ranks ahead of Osuna on MLB.com's Top 20 prospect list for the Blue Jays.

Osuna is making his full-season debut this year and has pitched well for the Lugnuts. He is 2-2 with a 2.96 ERA and a 36-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 27 1/3 innings.